Defence demonstrated its commitment to First Nations peoples with the unveiling of dual base names on Wiradjuri country at RAAF Base Wagga and Blamey Barracks, Kapooka, as part of a dual naming pilot program.
Wiradjuri traditional owners provided Wiradjuri language names for RAAF Base Wagga, ‘Yalbiligi Ngurang’ (pronounced ‘Yal-bili-gi Ner-rung’) and ‘Gabuga’ (pronounced ‘Gah-buh-gah’) for Blamey Barracks.
The names and traditional artwork on new signage were unveiled during a ceremony at the entrances of both bases on November 22.
The dual naming highlights the longstanding relationship between Defence bases and First Nations communities.
Stan Grant, a Wiradjuri Elder, said the dual naming was part of a broader recognition of the Wiradjuri language.
“This is a wonderful initiative by the Australian Defence Force. As a Wiradjuri language restoration matter expert, I am extremely pleased to be assisting and supporting Kapooka in obtaining the traditional name of the country, which is Gabuga,” Dr Grant said.
‘For our community, this is a warm and welcoming sign, a symbol of mutual respect and common ground.’
Fellow Wiradjuri Elder Aunty Cheryl Penrith said it was fantastic to see Defence embracing dual naming in the Wiradjuri language at RAAF Base Wagga.
“For our community, this is a warm and welcoming sign, a symbol of mutual respect and common ground,” she said.
Blamey Barracks-appointed First Nations Elder Uncle Hewitt Whyman also welcomed the dual naming.
“The relationship between the Wiradjuri people and the Army has been ever-evolving in strength and unity,” he said.
“The dual naming enhances the cultural relationship and understanding by including Wiradjuri language to an already well known military establishment by identifying the significance of the traditional land.”
The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies estimates 90 per cent of Australia’s Indigenous languages are identified as endangered. As part of Defence’s commitment to First Nations peoples, Defence is committed to ensuring local Indigenous languages endure.
As part of the dual base naming, Defence offers site-specific military insights alongside the First Nations place names and artwork, which will be accessible by scanning the QR code on each sign linking to a factsheet hosted on the Defence public-facing website. For further information visit:
